Outreach aids families

Refiner’s Fire helps local students with school supplies
In an effort to help with back to school costs, Refiner’s Fire Ministries International Church for the second year is giving away bags of school supplies to families who attend the Annual Family Fun Fest to be held this Sunday, July 27. They will give away 500 bags of supplies this year.
Last year, when the church gave away 300 bags, recipients lined up more than two hours in advance. Event organizer and church office manager Donnielle Tyner said she is expecting a big turn out again this year.
“We know from last year that this is a huge event for families in the community,” she said. “We hope that more families who did not participate last year will do so and take advantage of the outreach our church is trying to provide.”
With the added stress of a declining economy, Tyner is certain efforts will be appreciated.
“I know that most people like free stuff anyway but when you factor in how the economy is right now with families that have more than one child to buy supplies for, this is a real money saver,” Tyner said. “Our mission is to use this as an outreach to help the community and meet people whom we might not otherwise have the opportunity to see.”
Along with the school supply give away, the church is hosting a day of family-friendly activities, and Tyner encourages everyone to come out.
“We try to give families a day where they can hang out, meet other people and let their kids play without having to worry about the cost,” Tyner said. “We will have a lot of water slides, a carnival type ride for the smaller children, face painting, a 4-wheeler give away, as well as free hotdogs and drinks. It really is a great day for everyone involved and we are happy to be able to provide the service.”
The church, which currently has about 500 members, not only picks up the tab for the games, food and activities, but members have volunteered all the supplies that will be handed out.
Tyner said the group starts collecting items in the spring and they always have more than enough when it is time for the event.
“Our members believe in giving back and this is their way to help,” she said. “We know people just need a friendly face and we want to be that.”
The church group has been hosting a summer event for the last six years and plans to continue doing so every year.
The church is located at 1611 W. Ennis Ave.
For more information on the event, contact the church at 972-875-6006.

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on Jul 23 2008. Filed under News.
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